Could Boston Get a Liquor Tax?

Liquor store owners in Boston aren't exactly toasting a proposal to put a 2 percent tax on alcohol sales in the city.

A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday on the proposal from City Council President Bill Linehan and Councilor Frank Baker. The councilors say the tax would raise about $20 million to use for substance abuse and prevention programs.

Smitty Patel of North Station Liquors tells the Boston Herald the tax - if approved by the council and state Legislature- could drive away customers and hurt business "big time."

Leonard Rothenberg, who operates Federal Wine & Spirits on State Street, predicts he'll lose one-third of his business to liquor stores outside the city.

Linehan says he'll share data at the hearing on addiction rates and the rising costs of treatment.